Bad Faith Episode 572 Promo - The Gerontocracy is Killing Us (w/ Samuel Moyn)
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May 4, 2026 
Samuel Moyn, Yale Law professor and historian of human rights, explains how entrenched elder rule shapes institutions. He discusses gerontocracy’s grip on courts and the Voting Rights Act fallout. Conversation covers missed reform chances, Democratic leadership’s priorities, and why institutional change like Senate and court reform matters.
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Gerontocracy Is Back Because People Live Longer
- Gerontocracy Is Historically Normal Yet Intensified Today.
- Samuel Moyn links longer lifespans and medical advances to older leaders staying in power much longer than historically typical.
Don't Confuse Ageism With Structural Power Problems
- Age Alone Isn't The Problem; Political Power And Voter Demographics Matter.
- Moyn warns against ageism and notes a gerontocracy can arise from older voters, elites, and who holds wealth, not just old politicians.
Missed Moments Around RBG And Court Reform
- Supreme Court Losses and Missed Opportunities Are Framed As Strategic Failures.
- Briahna Joy Gray recounts how not pushing for earlier retirements or court reform under Biden left Democrats vulnerable after RBG's ill-timed longevity.
